Position on central waterfront: Jones says he has been concerned about "the general wrongheadedness" of the Newburyport Redevelopment Authority.
He favors a waterfront maximized for public use.
He said that the riverfront would benefit from a visitors center that could include restrooms and information desk.

The candidate said he would like city officials to consider the waterfront with a view that exceeds simply the central waterfront.
"The waterfront over the years will be developed from the American Yacht Club to the old Towle complex.

"A key factor is getting a credible developer," said Jones, who has spent his career in the construction business.
"A good developer wouldn't want to be tied to a project where there was disagreement among city officials and residents."

Jones said that patience, despite the years of debate, could be useful.
"This is not a good market in which to launch complicated construction projects," he said.
"Why would a developer want to take a risk of litigation delays and increased carrying (financial) cost if a city couldn't agree on the direction."

On schools, Jones said that he has been impressed with the new Bresnahan School and the renovations to the Nock/Molin complex.
"But buildings don't teach kids, a good education system does.
He said he is hopeful that the arrival of a new superintendent of schools can bring an end to the "revolving door" of education administrators here.

Jones said that he supports more teaching of languages here, including Spanish, French and Portuguese.

Special interest: Jones said that he finds satisfaction in working to enable all types of citizens to live here.